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About Ohio Lights Out

Collisions with buildings are a leading cause of bird fatality during migration in North America, and it is estimated that up to half a billion birds die each year in North America from building collisions. Lights Out programs provide an opportunity to reduce the number of collision-related kills, and have been successful in a number of cities across the U.S., including Chicago, New York, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis. The Lights Out Chicago program reported an 80% reduction in collisions at a building following a reduction in nighttime lighting.

The Ohio Lights Out campaign is an innovative approach to bird conservation, as it could significantly reduce bird collision deaths, as well as assist building owners and managers to decrease their energy costs. Ohio Lights Out staff and volunteers work with managers at enrolled buildings to adapt the building’s current lighting scheme to reduce dangers to nocturnally migrating birds, while maintaining the building’s safety standards and aesthetic beauty.

While Ohio Lights Out is a statewide initiative, OBCI is working with partners to expand regional programs in Ohio’s major cities. For more information on our regional programs, click HERE.

Buildings that enroll in Ohio Lights Out pledge to reduce lighting by taking as many of the following steps as possible:

Turn off exterior decorative lighting

Dim lobby and atrium lighting

Turn off interior lights or draw blinds, especially on upper floors

Do you work at or manage a building that is not yet part of the program? Click HERE to find out how you can enroll the building in our Lights Out program. You can even help to reduce bird collisions at home, and residential buildings can also join the program. Find out more HERE. Whether you are managing a large building, or reducing your light emission at home, we recommend reducing or eliminating lighting during the following periods: